Dunlavin water supply project passes pivotal point
Information below is relevant until further updates are provided here or on our Supply and Service Updates section.
A significant milestone has been reached on The Dunlavin Water Supply Rationalisation Project, with all 7.2km of water mains now constructed in Dunlavin village and along the R412 between Dunlavin and Brannockstown, Co. Kildare.
The project, representing a €9 million investment, will connect Dunlavin to the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) water supply zone. This vital work will ensure a more secure, reliable, and sustainable water service for approximately 1,000 residents and businesses in Dunlavin, while also supporting future housing and economic development in the area.
Speaking on the progress, Paul McLoughlin of Uisce Éireann said:
“The completion of pipeline installation is a key achievement on the Dunlavin Water Supply Rationalisation Project. We are grateful for the patience and support of the Dunlavin and Brannockstown communities as pipelaying works were ongoing in Dunlavin village and along the R412.
Paul continued “As we now move towards commissioning these new water mains, customers will be gradually switched to the new GDA supply. This may result in a slight change in the taste of water due to the transition from a hard to soft water source.”
As part of the commissioning process, planned water outages may occur. Uisce Éireann will provide affected customers with a minimum of 48 hours’ notice of any supply interruptions.
The Dunlavin Water Supply Rationalisation Project also includes the construction of a new booster pumping station in Brannockstown, Co. Kildare, the decommissioning of the existing local reservoir in Dunlavin, and permanent road surface reinstatement in Dunlavin Village, which will be carried out in September.
Uisce Éireann remains committed to working closely with the community, local representatives, and stakeholders to minimise disruption and keep the public informed throughout the final stages of the project, which is due for completion by the end of this year.
Uisce Éireann is committed to keeping customers informed across multiple platforms 24/7 and we encourage customers to engage with us through our website, X channels @IWCare and @IrishWater, and through our customer care helpline which is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.
Uisce Éireann has a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at www.water.ie
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Crews are progressing works on a project to rationalise the water supply in Dunlavin, Co Wicklow.
The project represents a €9 million investment in improving water supply security and resilience for homes and businesses in Dunlavin, and involves the construction of 7.3 kilometres of watermain, serving Dunlavin with a piped drinking water supply from the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) supply zone. When complete, the Dunlavin Water Supply Rationalisation Project will address current supply challenges for existing customers and provide the required capacity to allow new development in the area.
Water main installation works have been completed between St Kevin’s Community College and Dunlavin Soccer Club and are ongoing at Market Square in Dunlavin village. To facilitate the next phase of pipelaying between Dunlavin village and Brannockstown, Wicklow and Kildare County Councils have granted a 24-hour road closure of the R142, from its junction with R756 at Dunlavin, to its junction with R413 for Ballymore Eustace at Brannockstown. It is anticipated that this road closure will be in place from Monday, 24 March 2025 for a period of approximately 4 months.
Describing the section of pipeline as “critical for the community in Dunlavin”, Uisce Éireann’s Paul McLoughlin thanked the communities in Dunlavin and Brannockstown for their patience and co-operation in advance of the works.
“The existing drinking water infrastructure supplying Dunlavin is not sufficient to meet current demand. This project will not only improve water supply for over 1,000 customers in the area, it will also ensure further social and economic growth. This project will have benefits for generations to come."
Paul continued: “We understand that this type of work can be inconvenient and works crews will make every effort to minimise any disruption. We are confident that the short-term inconvenience will be outweighed by the long-term benefits upon completion of this essential project.”
Diversions will be in place for the duration of the road closure, with routes clearly signposted. Local and emergency access will be maintained at all times. It is planned that works will commence at Brannockstown and progress southwards on a phased basis towards Dunlavin.
David Walsh Civil Engineering Ltd. are delivering the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann, with completion of the project expected by the end of the year.
The works may involve some short-term water supply interruptions and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water interruptions. Uisce Éireann has also launched a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at our Text Updates page.
Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment. To find out more visit our website.
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